Japanese Foreign Minister visits Jaffna

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 January 2003, 14:01 GMT]The Japanese Foreign Minister Ms Yoriko Kawguchi Monday flew to Jaffna by
special aircraft and surveyed the progress of resettlement and humanitarian
projects in the northern peninsula implemented with Japanese aid. This was the first visit of a Japanese Foreign Minister to the war torn Jaffna district. She also toured Chavakachcheri and Sarasalai areas in Thenmaradchchi areas, worst affected by the war in the district, sources said.

She told civilian representatives that the government of Japan would
provide more aid to mine clearing projects in the north in the near future,
sources said.

Later Japanese Foreign Minister attended the event held at Colombo
Hilton Hotel Monday afternoon where an agreement was signed between
Japan and Sri Lanka. According to this agreement the government of Japan
would provide a grant of estimated 1.2 million US dollars, which would cover
transport support for mine clearance activities in the Wanni area, purchase
of necessary equipment for the rehabilitation of public facilities in
Jaffna, sources said.

Adding that Japanese government is very optimistic towards the peace process
and promise more financial aid to Sri Lanka, Japanese Foreign Minister
pointed out the need of co-existence with India in achieving lasting peace
in the island, Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry sources said.

Her visit to Sri Lanka coincides with the holding of Sri Lanka Aid
Conference in April or may this year, sources said. Japanese Foreign
Minister is due to leave for India from Colombo Tuesday early morning,
sources said.